EirGrid Ulster U20 Football Championship quarter-final
Fermanagh v Derry (Wednesday, Roslea, 7.30pm)
LIKE Gaoth Dobhair in Donegal, Teemore Shamrocks in Fermanagh have produced some great defenders two-time Allstar Barry Owens being the most high-profile.
The club have another powerful athletic young man called Ronan McCaffrey who is already a powerhouse at the age of 19.
McCaffrey will be one of Fermanagh’s key figures when they face Derry in the Ulster U20 Championship tonight.
The imposing McCaffrey has already made the right half-back slot his own on the impressive Fermanagh senior side. And that is the greatest indication of his quality. You could certainly imagine him having an interesting duel with some of Fermanagh’s powerful forwards in training.
The UU student is looking forward to tonight’s challenge especially so since he knows some of the Derry side from freshers and Sigerson Cup football.
“It was very intense with playing for the two teams, but we know we have a big test on March 29 against Derry.
“They are coming on the back of an All-Ireland minor win, and they have a few lads in with the seniors as well.
“It is a big test but one we are looking forward to.
“We played against QUB in the Sigerson, and they had Dan Higgins and Matthew Downey. They are all good players, though.
Owing to his versatility, McCaffrey was unable to play in the pe-season U-20 competition.
“We got a result against Leitrim, were very unlucky against Cavan and lost to Longford.
“I have not played yet because of the seniors but am looking forward to playing against Derry on March 29.
“We have four on the senior squad in Fionan O’Brien, Diarmuid King, Aogan Kelm and me but we also have lads who are not on the senior squad but who have really stepped up.
“Lads like Micheal Flanagan, who has serious pace, Justy McDade and Cahair Leonard are all powerful players. This is a physically strong Fermanagh side as well.’’
McCaffrey is extra grateful as he tore three ankle ligaments while making his debut for Fermanagh seniors against Monaghan in the Dr McKenna Cup.
“I rushed back and played two games for the U20s last year, but I had to get scans and take my time and I was out for three months.
“I did not feature until the game against Cavan in the Tailteann Cup last year.
“Last year gave me a chance to get myself right physically and I am grateful to the likes of Leon Carters who puts in a lot of good work at the S and C”.
McCaffrey is happy playing in any position in defence.
“I played full-back in the Sigerson, but I am comfortable at half-back as you have to defend and attack as well.
“If we can nullify Derry’s many threats and play our A game we could get out on the right side.’’
